Doncaster Chamber Urges Peel To Seriously Consider Offers To Buy Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Now that multiple investors have come forward to express an interest in purchasing Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), the local Chamber of Commerce is urging Peel to return to the negotiating table.

17 days ago, Peel announced its intention to close the airport and, since then, regional partners have continued to work around the clock to find a way of saving this important economic asset. In addition to making a substantive offer of support — one that would see the public sector effectively covering DSA’s losses while a potential sale is negotiated — they have also actively sought out credible buyers for the site.

Thanks to these concerted efforts, a number of interested parties have now come forward. Doncaster Chamber is urging Peel Group to take these offers seriously, and to suspend its imminent closure of the airport until negotiations have had the necessary time to unfold.

Speaking about this, Andy Morley, President of Doncaster Chamber, said: “It is heartening to see all the work that has been done behind the scenes now paying off and I congratulate the Council, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), as well as local politicians, for all coming together to find suitable investors. Clearly the market recognises DSA’s untapped potential.

“Having several buyers lined up is an encouraging sign that our commercial sector – including those with experience in the aviation sector – truly believes we can make this work. Throughout this whole negotiating period, there has been a tremendous outpouring of support from businesses, residents and partners who all want to see DSA succeed.

“With this in mind, we are asking Peel Group to act in good faith and to come back to the negotiating table.”

Expanding upon these point, Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “The investors that have come forward clearly believe that DSA can be a viable and thriving airport.

“I am therefore urging Peel to set aside a reasonable amount of time to properly explore these options in good faith. The public sector has revised its original lifeline offer, extending the period within which the financial support can be used from 13 months to 24. We urge Peel to accept this offer and come back to the negotiating table. Despite the eleventh hour of these developments, it is incumbent on all parties to try and find a solution that can potentially work for the region, its business community, Peel and the potential new owners alike.

“Finally, it is incumbent upon national government to get involved at this point. Weeks ago, the Prime Minister publicly vowed to use her influence to protect DSA, but we have yet to see any tangible action on this front. Partners in South Yorkshire have already done their part by offering financial support and brining prospective buyers to the table, and I thank them for this. Nonetheless, government intervention is still required.

“As such, I am reiterating the point made in our recent open letter and asking the government to demonstrate its commitment to levelling up the North of England by helping us save this vital asset.”